MADURAI
: Many viruses that cause diseases including
conjunctivitis
to humans thrive during
monsoon season and the awareness and alarm with which such viral diseases are treated often go ignored, say experts. “Monsoon is the season for all viruses including those that cause conjunctivitis. More awareness is needed among people to prevent its spread because it can spread easily through contact and air and attack all genders and age groups,” said Dr P Saravanan, assistant professor of Opthalmology department at Government Rajaji Hospital .
Conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’ or ‘Madras eye’ is an inflammation of the conjunctiva tissue that lies over the white part of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelid. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, itching, tearing of the eyes and discharge. Around 300 conjunctivitis cases are reported on an average between October and November every year at the GRH in Madurai. “As soon as the symptoms appear, it is advisable for patients to consult an eye doctor. Trying home remedies is not advisable since the person can end up spreading the infection to others,” said Dr Saravanan. Treatment and recovery from conjunctivitis usually involves administration of antibiotics for up to one week.
Aravind Eye Hospital admits around 30 cases per day throughout the year. Doctors there warn that viral conjunctivitis is increasingly becoming anti-biotic resistant as well. “Around 10 years ago, conjunctivitis used to affect only the conjunctiva tissue but now some viral strains, sometimes coupled with bacterial infections are affecting even the cornea, which can in turn considerably affect vision. Microsporadia, another variety of microbes, have also been found to cause conjunctivitis during the last 3 or 4 years,” said Dr N Venkatesh Prajya from Aravind Eye Hospital. Doctors further urged patients to do whatever they can to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis infections. “Use plenty of water to keep your eyes clean from infectious discharge,” said Dr Saravanan.
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